Smoke And No Fire? Tips To Safely Handle Nuisance Smoke Alarms

Don't unplug a chirping smoke detector just because it's annoying. There's much better and safer ways to deal with smoke alarms that beep, randomly, for seemingly no reason.

Smoke alarms may send out false alarms for several reasons and a recent study, from the National Fire Protection Association, found that almost two out of three home fire deaths over a five year study period resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms, according to a July news release from the Monarch Fire Protection District.

Monarch offered possible reasons, and advice, for safely dealing with faulty smoke detectors.

The battery may be weak, loose, or improperly installed in the smoke alarm.

"Make sure the battery is fresh, and that is snapped in all the way so it cannot be shaken loose," Monarch advises. "It's possible that battery connections may not be making good contact with the battery."

The smoke detector might have collected dust or insects that it to sound a false alarm.

"An accumulation of dust, or an insect, in the sensing chamber can cause the unit to chirp or alarm," according to the release. "It is good practice to clean the smoke alarm when you change the battery."

To clean a smoke detector, use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or a brush attachment and clean all around the gap areas, Monarch recommended. An aerosal electronics duster will work, as well, and it is important to pay the most attention to the sensor in the gap area.

"The sensor looks like a small tin can with slots in it," the release states. "Also, consider spraying the surrounding area — but NOT the smoke alarm — with a household spray insect."

The smoke detector might need to be reset.

Monarch advised to reset a hardwired unit with a battery back-up, flip the circuit breaker switch that controls the electrical power to the smoke alarm. Then remove the alarm from the mounting bracket and disconnect the power, remove the battery and press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds.

"The unit may chirp or alarm for a few seconds before going silent. Reconnect the power and reinstall the battery. The unit will chirp once when the power is restored and should not chirp afterwards."

To reset a battery-only unit, remove the battery and press the test button for at least 15 seconds. The unit might chirp for a few seconds before going silent. Reinstall the battery, and the unit will chirp when the battery is first connected but should not chirp afterwards.

The smoke alarm might be too old.

Smoke detectors have an expected lifespan of about 10 years, according to the Monarch release.

"You should replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older," Monarch advises. "Smoke alarms that old may activate for no reason at all, or worse, may not activate when needed—even if it works when tested."

To check the age of a smoke alarm, remove the alarm from the wall or ceiling and look at its back, according to the release. The date of manufacture should be on the label. If there is no date, the smoke alarm is very old and should be replaced immediately.

Residents of the Monarch Fire Protection District may call its Public Education Officer to request assistance with servicing their smoke alarms at 314-514-0900.